LEGO® 71244 Sonic The Hedgehog Level Pack: My Honest Opinion

The Sonic Pack in wave 7 of LEGO Dimensions is perhaps the most anticipated and for good reason. It is the first time we have seen the hedgehog in minifigure form and I must say I hope it's not the last. The minifigure himself looks incredible. The print is simple but rightly so and the head mould is incredible. He is useful in-game aswell as he's the first super-speed character but also has the ability of agility. On top of this, a level is included hence the name and this is a great blend of classic sonic and Lego gameplay.p that stars some more classic characters. Also, the Sonic adventure world is unlocked with this pack. I think that, from first impressions, this is great with both classic Sonic art and gameplay.

The builds for this set are the Sonic Speedster and The Tornado. I think that both look great but especially the Sonic Speedster as I feel that the sleek style has really been captured in a small model. This can be rebuilt into Blue Typhoon and the Motobug. I think both look a bit clumsy but this is expected with re-builds. I prefer the motobug out of the two because it contains a lot of goofy character. The Typhoon also looks nice and can be rebuilt into Crabmeat and Eggcatcher.

Overall, I think this is a very strong pack. The physical items look great but the in-game inclusions are also very good. My only concern is that Sonic only has 2 abilities which, compared to some of the other available characters, isn't much. However, I do still really like this and would recommend it.

https://shop.lego.com/en-US/Sonic-the-Hedgehog-Level-Pack-71244

LEGO® 42054 Claas Xerion 5000: My Honest Opinion

The LEGO Claas Xerion 500 is one of my all time favourite Technic Sets. Maybe it's because I personally love tractors or maybe it's because LEGO have done such a great job. Either way, there's no denying the beautiful looks and great function of this set. My personal favourite parts are the huge chunky tyres, the bright green colour scheme and the perfectly-designed stickers. This really is a great functioning and display piece alike.

There are quite a lot of things this set can do. This includes turning the cab, moving the crane and adjusting the weights; all of which stay true to the real life model. All of these work pretty well but if I were to be really picky, the switching between steering is slightly clunky. However, this is the height of nitpicking as it really doesn't detract at all. Also, there's not too much of a B-Model for this set; just a secondary attachment which may not be what some were expecting.

Overall, I think this is great value for money costing way less than 10p/c per piece. Both the looks and functions are amazing and the sheer size will blow you away. I could honestly say that this is one of the best technic sets in a long while and I couldn't recommend this enough to both technic fans and agricultural fans alike.

If you would like to read more or buy this set, go to this link:  https://shop.lego.com/en-GB/CLAAS-XERION-5000-TRAC-VC-42054

LEGO® 76060 Doctor Strange's Sanctum Santorum: My Honest Opinion

Doctor Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum is part of the Marvel Super Heroes line and was released to coincide with the upcoming release of the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe movie. Although this set is only small with 358 pieces, I feel like it is definitely worth the £30 (or $30 in the US) as the level of detail in the given space is great. From the table to the bookshelves, from the window to the giant portal monster, I feel like LEGO have hit the nail on the head with this one. The extra effort they have spent on the little things has made a humongous difference.

However, with this being a vignette/facade, it doesn't look quite as flattering from behind but, when on a shelf, you wouldn't at all see this side and it would look a really great display piece. I feel like the few mini play features are okay but not much is really sacrificed to add these, well apart from the big black ball that is on the wall but this doesn't bother me too much. I love the minifigures, especially Doctor Strange as I feel his printing and head mould work really well together.

Overall, I think this makes a great small, cheap display piece with great effect. I dont feel like this is as much a play set but in terms of aesthetics this is spot on and there are a few play features to satisfy some of those needs as well. I also think, in terms of value for money, this is pretty good as it less than 10p/c per piece as well as 3 exclusive minifigures, all of which I must say are magnificent. I would recommend this to every LEGO fan, especially displayers and Marvel fans.

If you want more detail on the features or would like to purchase this set, go to this link: https://shop.lego.com/en-GB/Doctor-Strange-s-Sanctum-Sanctorum-76060

Changes

I sincerely apologise for not posting in so long but I'd like to talk about a few changes I'd be making. The problem I had before was describing every set before coming to my thoughts and feelings. To try and solve this, I have come to the decision that I will simply state my personal opinions on each set as well as leaving a link to the description if you so wish to look at these. I'm sorry for any inconveniences but I'll be back in the swing of things soon.

LEGO® Architecture Venice 21026 Review

Price: £24.99/$29.99   Pieces: 212   Release Date: January 2016   Price per Piece: 11.8p/14.8c 

Venice is one of the three skyline sets released Spring 2016 and measures 25X3X13cm which is smaller compared to Berlin. I will probably compare these two sets during this review as they are both the same price and the same theme. Check out that review if you want more info. The value of this isn't brilliant and you certainly get more pieces in Berlin although I think the build of this is slightly more refined. The set includes 5 Venice Landmarks and a printed nameplate.

I will review these landmarks from left to right so starting with the Rialto Bridge. There is a clever use of pieces with the wheel arch and I think this is the best LEGO could do on this scale although there could maybe be a little more definition on the arches but it's hard when it's this small. The use of the trans-blue pieces as water is a clever and effective addition. Next is St. Marks Basilica, my favourite part of this set. I think it looks reasonably accurate and the detailing in this scale is very good. The teeth parts are well used as is the drain piece. I think this brings the set to life along with the next landmark, St Marks Campanile. Although it is a simple build, it matches the simple design of the real life landmark and the horse on the top adds a bit of extra detail. The build of this is simple but effective, as is the next one. St Theodore and the Winged Horse consists of 6 pieces and isn't that substantial but fits with the scale and adds a bit more detail to the entire model. There's not much else to say about this one as there's not much of it. The final build, The Bridge of Sighs, is also very small so there can't be much detail. The water is effective and it looks okay but not fantastic.

Overall, I think the problem with this set is that there are not many substantially sized landmarks in Venice so they can't add much detail to the smaller ones. What size they have done, they've done well but I think they need to get a better place to build. I would recommend this set to Architecture fans but to Architecture newbies, I'd recommend 21027 Berlin for the same price.

Build: 3/5   Aesthetics: 4/5   Value: 3/5   Playability: N/A (not designed for play)

Overall 4/5

LEGO® Architecture Berlin 21027 Review

Price: £24.99/$29.99   Pieces: 289   Release Date: January 2016   Price per Piece: 8.6p/10.4c

Berlin is one of the three architecture skyline sets released in Spring 2016 and has a value which is good for the architecture sets. It depicts 5 of the most famous landmarks in Berlin with the same, minaiture scale and measures 25X5X23cm. The build isn't as intuitive as some other architecture sets but this looks fantastic when it's finished. From the left, there is the Reichtag (The German Parliamentary Building) which I think has been done very well considering the scale. There are the details, columns and roof all included despite having hardly any space to do so and the glass dome at the top has been nailed. Also, there are two panels representing the Berlin Wall which is a nice inclusion that wasn't needed but well received. The next building is the Victory Column. This statue is only about 10 pieces but they have made great use of this and is a good scale in comparison. The colours aren't too accurate but they do make it look less bland and more LEGO-like and the use of the nano figure is fantastic. The next building is the Deutsch Bahn Tower. The shape on this building is pretty accurate but it goes downhill from there. For saying this is the centre model, it has hardly any detail and looks bland. Honestly, is my least favourite building of the five and could do with some improvement. The next building is the Berlin TV Tower which is one of my favourites. It has good shaping, colouring and the detailing is pretty good too. My only downside about this is the fact it is kind of squashed and could have done with a little more space to separate it from the Bahn Tower. The final building is the Brandenburg Gate which we have had before in Architecture but this is very well done for the scale. In the small space, it has managed to pull off the horse statue as well as the columns and roof details. There is also another shard of Berlin Wall in front of it.

Overall, I think this is a pretty good addition to the Architecture line. The build is a bit bland but the final product looks great. There are a couple improvements that could have been made such as a better Bahn Tower and some more space but these are washed away by some of the great detail in this set. I would recommen this to Architecture fans and even to some willing to start a new theme as its not too expensive.

Build: 2.5/5   Aesthetics: 4.5/5   Value: 4/5   Playability: N/A (Not designed for play)

Overall: 4.5/5

The LEGO® Batman Movie Teaser Trailer #2: Wayne Manor - Analysis

Today, the second Trailer for the new LEGO Batman Movie was released and, although it didn't have as many things to pick up on, there are a couple that I would like to mention.
The trailer starts similarly to how the last one did and, yet again, shows of the utility belt. It then cuts to Batman in his robes, which I hope we get a minifigure of, reminiscing before we meet the new Alfred:

This is a completely new figure and has a couple of great pieces that I hope they make. First of all, there is a bald head piece which looks far better than the plain head like the figure from the Batcave set. Also, there is a collar piece that hangs round his neck and gives him an extra sense of 3-dimensionality. We then get even more humour before a scene with all the villains:

From left to right we get: The Penguin, The Riddler, Killer Croc, Catwoman, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Two-Face and Scarecrow. All of these figures will be new prints which is great as they could so easily cheap out and use previous moulds. Also, there are some new pieces that I would like to mention. Penguin has a moulded fur lining to his coat, Riddler has a moulded end to his staff as well as a possible new hat, Croc has a new head mould, Catwoman has a new mask, Bane's entire body is new, Ivy may have new hair and so might Two-Face. Also, the villain at the back is most likely a brick-built clay face and maybe a new Mr Freeze at the back right. However, the Joker is not in this shot so I'm looking forward to seeing that. There are then a couple scenes we've seen before preceding the end.

If you want to go and check this out yourself (which I recommend) go to either the LEGO site or the LEGO YouTube Channel.

The LEGO® Batman Movie Teaser Trailer #1: Batcave - Analysis

So, The first LEGO Batman Movie Trailer was released earlier this week and it was not a dissapointment. If you don't know, it is the spiritual sequel to The LEGO Movie based around the humourous version of the superhero. There were some things that you may have missed. I apologise in advance for the shoddy quality of my photos so bear with me.
The first scene wasn't too interesting but gave us a good look at the new utility belt piece and set the tone for the trailer. The bat cave has had a new design and you may have noticed the dinosaur silhouette on the bottom right maybe referring to the dinosaur in the classic batcave. Soon after, we are shown this:

This photo includes some bat suits we've seen before such as the space suit, the normal suit and the electric suit on the row above. However, there are some new ones such as Batman Beyond, El Murcialago (The Bat), Com-Bat and Prom Bat. I hope we get some of these in physical form and I speculate a line of Collectable minifigures based of this but if not we should get a few anyway. After, we have a bit more comedy before we get the fight scene.

This isn't clear but this photo shows scarecrow's helicopter with the version of scarecrow that we're getting in the summer DC set. Then we get this which gives us even more villains.

We have some new minifigures here such as the classic Captain Boomerang as opposed to the modern one in the summer set and a new bigfig Bane. Finally, the motorbike in front of bane looks like Catwomans but she herself is not very clear. From what I can tell, however, she looks as if she has a new head mould which would be nice to get in a set. The final photo I have included shows the heroes of this film:

From this, we have another look at the utility belt piece and the rest of the Justice League we've got before except for a new, classic version of Green Arrow as opposed to the more 'New 52' version in the 2015 Darkseid Invasion set. 

I know I may not have covered everything in this short analysis but I hope I have shown you a little more. If you want to view this trailer for yourself, you can go to LEGOs YouTube Channel or even go to the LEGO site.